Acner.org: Acne treatment

How to Fight Body Acne

How to Fight Body Acne

Overview

Your body is covered with thousands of hair follicles that contain sebaceous glands that produce oil that can clog the pores if too much is produced--which results in acne blemishes. While many associate acne with a condition that occurs on the face, it is possible to experience acne anywhere on the body. Most often, this occurs on the chest and back. Because this condition can affect your self-esteem, it is important to treat it.

Step 1

Cleanse the body each day with a gentle cleanser. Purchase a cleanser that is advertised as gentle--other cleansers can contain harsh irritants or chemicals that can irritate the skin, according to DocShop.com.

Step 2

Regularly exfoliate the areas where you experience body acne using a loofah or other natural scrub while in the shower when the skin is softened. The exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and oils that can clog the pores and cause your body to break out. Exfoliate the area by massaging it in a circular motion. While you should not exfoliate the face more than once per week, the skin of the body is less delicate, meaning it can be exfoliated more frequently.

Step 3

Dry the skin thoroughly and apply an acne treatment cream, such as one that contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide or 10 percent alpha hydroxy acid, according to Acne.org. These medications dry up excess oil in the pores and reduce the number of dead skin cells in the pores.

Step 4

Dress in loose, breathable clothing composed of a natural fiber, such as cotton or wool, according to the International Dermal Institute. This helps to keep you cool if you are sweating as well as wick sweat away from the body, preventing the sweat from clogging the pores. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight, which can cause friction and can worsen acne symptoms, according to DocShop.com.

Step 5

Shower after every workout. Sweat during a workout can increase your chances of developing body acne because it clogs pores. The same goes for if you become sweaty during the regular course of the day. Changing clothes as soon as possible can help.

Step 6

Consult your physician if your body acne does not improve with over-the-counter treatments. He may be able to prescribe a stronger medication that can improve the appearance of body acne.

Related Articles

Solution for Body Acne
Overview An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from breakouts. The National Institutes of Health ...